Willy Paul
 | |
| Background information | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Wilson Abubakar Radido |
| Born | 1 September 1993 (age 31) Mathare, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Genres | Gospel Afropop Bongo Flava Dancehall |
| Occupations | Singer Songwriter Producer Entrepreneur |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Associated acts | Gloria Muliro Size 8 Khaligraph Jones Alaine Nandy Yemi Alade Rayvanny Alikiba |
Wilson Abubakar Radido (born 1 September 1993), known professionally as Willy Paul or Willy Pozze, is a Kenyan singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. Rising from Nairobi’s gospel music scene with hits like "Sitolia" and "You Never Know," he transitioned to secular genres, including Afropop, Bongo Flava, and dancehall, becoming a leading figure in East African music. His genre shift sparked controversy but expanded his reach, with international collaborations and vibrant music videos defining his brand. As the founder of Saldido International Records, Paul mentors young artists and advocates for industry reform. His ambitions to win a Grammy Award and perform globally underscore his influence and vision. [1]
Early Life
Wilson Abubakar Radido was born on 1 September 1993 in Mathare, a slum in Nairobi, Kenya, to Paul Opondo Radido, a carpenter, and Salome, a salonist. The youngest of four siblings—three brothers and one sister—Paul grew up in poverty after his father’s death on 28 May 2011. His mother raised the family alone, supporting Paul’s musical aspirations. "My mum cheered me on when we had nothing," he recalled in a 2023 interview. [2] From age eight, Paul sang in church choirs, finding solace in music amid financial hardship. His early performances in church dances laid the groundwork for his career. [3]
Paul attended Brainhouse School in Mathare but dropped out in Form 3 due to unpaid school fees. He completed his Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E.) in October 2013, balancing studies with music. Sneaking into local studios to record demos, he honed his skills through persistence. "I’d walk miles to studios, dreaming of a better life," he shared. [4] His Mathare upbringing instilled a relentless work ethic, driving his ambition to escape poverty and support his family. [5]
Career
2010–2014: Gospel Breakthrough
Willy Paul’s career began in 2010 with "Rabuka," a gospel single that gained traction in Nairobi’s churches. His 2012 collaboration with Gloria Muliro, "Sitolia," became a regional anthem, reflecting his struggles and resonating with audiences. The song earned him a 2013 Groove Award for Male Artist of the Year, alongside Muliro’s Female Artist win. [1] In 2013, he released "You Never Know," followed by a 2014 U.S. tour, performing in 12 states, including Sacramento and Las Vegas, at venues like Neema Gospel Church. [5] His debut album, You Never Know (2013), featured seven tracks, showcasing emotive vocals and relatable lyrics.
Paul’s early success stemmed from his ability to connect with young audiences, though he faced challenges like limited studio access. Teaching himself production, he crafted hits like "Kitanzi" (2014, with Muliro), solidifying his gospel stardom. "I learned production by trial and error," he noted. [6] His awards during this period included the 2012 Afrima Artist of the Year and 2014 Mwafaka Collabo of the Year. [5]
2015–2018: Transition to Secular Music
In 2015, Paul began exploring secular genres, releasing "Tam Tam" (with Size 8) and "Lala Salama," blending Afropop and dancehall. The shift provoked backlash from gospel fans and religious leaders, who criticized songs like "Tam Tam" for suggestive themes. Paul defended his pivot, stating, "Music shouldn’t be confined; it’s about reaching everyone." [7] His 2017 single "I Do," featuring Jamaican artist Alaine, marked his international breakthrough, merging reggae and gospel influences.
Paul’s secular releases, including "Sikireti" (2018, with Ce’cile) and "Nisamehe" (2018), embraced Bongo Flava and dancehall. His music videos, known for vibrant aesthetics and choreography, became a signature, though some, like "Jigi Jigi," were deemed provocative. [8] Collaborations with Tanzanian artists like Alikiba ("Nishikilie," 2019) and Nandy ("Njiwa," 2018) expanded his East African fan base, positioning him as a pan-African star.
2019–Present: Global Ambitions and Saldido International
By 2019, Paul had fully embraced secular music, releasing hits like "Mumoyo" (2020), "Hallelujah" (2019, with Nandy), and "Mmmh" (2019, with Rayvanny), which dominated airwaves. His collaborations with Yemi Alade ("Nobody"), Diamond Platnumz, and Jamaican artist Jahmiel elevated his global profile. In 2020, he founded Saldido International Records, signing artists like Miss Picasah (Miss P) and Queen P to mentor young talent and reform Kenya’s music industry. "I want artists to have what I didn’t," he said. [9]
His albums Songs of Solomon (2020, 9 tracks), African Experience (2021, 19 tracks), and Beyond Gifted (2024, 14 tracks) reflect his Afropop and dancehall evolution. Paul has performed in Tanzania, Uganda, and Europe, with plans for a U.S. tour and shows at Madison Square Garden and Coachella. [4] He aspires to collaborate with Burna Boy and Drake and win a Grammy, goals he reiterated in 2023. Cite error: Invalid parameter in <ref> tag In 2025, he hinted at acting ventures, signaling a broader creative path. Cite error: Invalid parameter in <ref> tag
Personal Life
Willy Paul is married to Saron Ayelegn, though he keeps personal details private. He has two children: King Damian Radido Opondo and Sonya Wilsovia (born December 2020). Raised in a Christian household, Paul remains spiritual, praying daily and viewing his music as a ministry. "I’m still a man of God; my music spreads joy," he stated. [10] His aliases—Willy Pozze, Willis Paulson, Willy Paul Msafi—reflect his vibrant persona.
Paul is close to his mother and siblings, who anchor him amid fame. He is passionate about fitness, crediting it for discipline, and supports education and healthcare for Mathare children through his foundation. His real estate investments underscore his advocacy for financial literacy among artists. "Diversify or struggle," he advised. Cite error: Invalid parameter in <ref> tag Paul’s social media presence, particularly on Instagram (@willy.paul.msafi), engages fans with music updates and personal insights. [11]
Controversies
Willy Paul’s genre shift has fueled significant controversies. In 2012, he disputed Gloria Muliro over "Sitolia" royalties, claiming minimal earnings due to her copyright ownership. The issue was resolved, leading to "Kitanzi." [1] His secular songs, like "Jigi Jigi" and "Tam Tam," drew criticism from gospel fans and artists like Ringtone, who accused him of abandoning faith. Paul countered, "Music is art, not a cage." Cite error: Invalid parameter in <ref> tag
His mid-2010s rivalry with Bahati over gospel industry dominance played out on social media, attracting tabloid coverage. The feud cooled by 2018, with Paul focusing on music. Cite error: Invalid parameter in <ref> tag His nightclub performances and flashy lifestyle—designer outfits, luxury cars—have been criticized by conservative audiences, though he views them as earned rewards. Cite error: Invalid parameter in <ref> tag Paul’s outspoken social media posts, addressing critics directly, have polarized fans, with some praising his authenticity and others decrying his bravado. [11]
Business Ventures
Willy Paul founded Saldido International Records in 2020 to nurture Kenyan talent and address industry inequities. The label has signed Miss Picasah (Miss P), featured in "Mashallah," and Queen P (2021), with Paul mentoring on production and contracts. He envisions a music academy to teach performance and business skills. "I want to build what I lacked," he said. Cite error: Invalid parameter in <ref> tag His real estate investments and financial literacy advocacy aim to secure artists’ futures. Cite error: Invalid parameter in <ref> tag
Paul’s philanthropy includes a foundation supporting Mathare children with education and healthcare. His ventures reflect a commitment to reforming Kenya’s music ecosystem and uplifting communities. [5]
Discography
Albums
- You Never Know (2013, 7 tracks)
- Songs of Solomon (2020, 9 tracks)
- African Experience (2021, 19 tracks, Boomplay)
- Beyond Gifted (2024, 14 tracks, Afropop, Bongo Flava, Dancehall)
Selected Singles
- "Rabuka" (2010)
- "Sitolia" (2012, feat. Gloria Muliro)
- "You Never Know" (2013)
- "Lala Salama" (2013)
- "Tam Tam" (2014, feat. Size 8)
- "Kitanzi" (2014, feat. Gloria Muliro)
- "Vigelegele" (2015)
- "Tiga Wana" (2016)
- "I Do" (2017, feat. Alaine)
- "Sikireti" (2018, feat. Ce’cile)
- "Njiwa" (2018)
- "Mmmh" (2019, feat. Rayvanny)
- "Hallelujah" (2019, feat. Nandy)
- "Nishikilie" (2019, feat. Alikiba)
- "Mumoyo" (2020)
- "Keroro" (2024)
- "Sheryl" (2024)
Awards and Nominations
- 2012: Groove Awards – Best New Act; Afrima Awards – Artist of the Year
- 2013: Groove Awards – Male Artist of the Year
- 2014: Mwafaka Awards – Collabo of the Year
- 2015: Mwafaka Awards – Collabo of the Year; Mdundo Awards – Most Downloaded Gospel Artist, Most Downloaded Male Single
- 2016: Mwafaka Awards – Male Artist of the Year; AFRIMMA Awards – Best Gospel Act (Africa)
- 2017: PMVA Awards – Male Video of the Year, Most Viewed Video; Mdundo Awards – Most Downloaded Single
- Nominations: 2012 Kisima Music Awards – Male Artist of the Year [5]
Cultural Impact
Willy Paul’s transition from gospel to secular music mirrors tensions in Kenya’s music industry, where genre boundaries clash with artistic freedom. His blend of gospel, Afropop, and dancehall has inspired younger artists to cross genres, broadening Kenyan music’s appeal. His mentorship through Saldido International and advocacy for fair contracts address systemic challenges, positioning him as a reformer. [12]
Paul’s international collaborations and tours have elevated East African music’s global visibility, challenging stereotypes about African artists. His controversies, while divisive, spark discussions about authenticity and creative liberty. "I’m here to break barriers," he said, reflecting his role as a cultural trailblazer. Cite error: Invalid parameter in <ref> tag His philanthropy and community focus further cement his legacy, making him a multifaceted figure in Kenya’s cultural landscape.
External Links
References
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